Classic W Trek

Book any package at EcoCamp Patagonia and receive 10% OFF selected Argentinean Patagonia or Atacama programs. Valid for travel between September 2017 and May 2018. Contact us for full details.

from A$1878

With towering peaks, pristine blue lakes, lush valleys and massive glaciers, Torres del Paine is one of the world’s most famous trekking destinations. On this trek you will observe some of the most delightful parts of the park

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary

Add on a side trip to the Argentinean Patagonia with a visit to the trekking mecca, El Chalten and to El Calafate to visit the incredible Perito Moreno glacier.

Visit Peninsula Valdes, one of the wildlife highlights of Argentina where you can see whales, seals, penguins, orcas and much more.

If you are after something more strenuous then consider taking on the longer circuit trek which we also offer. Consult us for our range of options.

Day 1: The Patagonian Adventure starts

The trip begins when you’re picked up in Punta Arenas and driven to Eco Camp Patagonia. En route we make a couple of stops - First in Puerto Natales, a small, lively town on the shores of "Seno de Ultima Esperanza", where we’ll enjoy a hearty local lunch, and second at Cueva de Milodon, a massive prehistoric cave where the remains of a giant ground sloth were discovered in the 1890’s. The whole journey is very scenic, with plenty of wild birds and wonderful landscapes to be seen.

Alternatively, you can start your trip in El Calafate across the Argentinean border.

The day ends with our arrival and overnight stay at Eco Camp Patagonia, nestled in the heart of the park with a view of the Torres. During summer the sun sets around 11pm, so upon arrival there's plenty of light to admire the Patagonian steppe with its guanacos and snow-peaked mountain horizon.

Overnight Eco Camp

Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 2: The Paine Massif’s Heart: Valle Frances

After breakfast, we start our day driving towards Pudeto dock and board the catamaran that takes us to the northern west sector of Pehoe Lake. It is here where we’ll start the challenging trek to Valle Frances (French Valley), along a steep trail that goes into the very heart of the Paine Massif.

An undulating path leads us to the French River for our first glimpses of the hanging glacier. Then we will continue through a surreal landscape, crossing beech forests, to reach the French valley viewpoint where we enjoy magnificent views of both mountains and lakes. Enjoy lunch here with good possibilities of seeing avalanches from the hanging glacier, or simply observe the west side of the Cuernos (2600 M), Espada (2400 M) and Fortaleza (2800 M). Our way back will be the same until we reach the entrance of the valley. We will continue on a different path around the Southwest side of Paine Grande, the highest peak in the park, through native forests of Chilean fire bush and evergreen beech (Nothofagus Bethuloides), up to the shore of the Pehoé Lake.

We’ll reach the Refugio Paine Grande, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Pehoe, where we’ll spend the evening and enjoy a replenishing dinner.

*The excursion to French Valley can vary depending on the catamaran schedule.

Distances: 25kms/ Approximately 8 hours

Overnight Mountain Refugios
Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 3: Glacier Grey

Today we hike from Paine Grande Refugio along the shores of Lake Pehoe to the northern end of glacial Lake Grey. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding the boat that sails to the blue face of Glacier Grey. There's lots of time to marvel at this calving glacier during the boat ride across this lake, with its floating pieces of ice. From Lake Grey’s southern end we transfer to EcoCamp.

Distances: 14kms/ Approximately 4 hours

Overnight Eco Camp
Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 4: The Big Challenge: Torres del Paine

After a big breakfast our goal today is to complete the most famous trek in Chile. We’ll hike to the base of the Torres del Paine Towers, following the Ascencio River. Our walk will be uphill for one hour before stopping to observe the first glimpses of the valley surrounded by unbelievable beech forests, glaciers and waterfalls.

Our big challenge comes as we climb the steep moraine, a mass of boulders leading us towards one of the world's most famous views overlooking the Torres. The famous Torres del Paine consist of three gigantic granite monoliths, the remains of a great cirque sheared away by the forces of glacial ice. After an uphill slog, the Torres eventually come into full view, rising majestically before us, with the glacial lake visible below. Is there any better place in the world to have lunch? After feasting on the view and our picnic, we’ll backtrack along the same trail through Ascencio Valley and return to EcoCamp.

*During Shoulder season (October and April), the Towers Trek excursion might be cancelled because of weather conditions and safety considerations.

Distances: 21kms/ Approximately 8 hours

Overnight Eco Camp
Breakfast, Boxed Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 5: Adios Torres del Paine

We board an early morning vehicle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic ride back to Punta Arenas in time to catch the evening flight. Alternatively, we can offer a departure to El Calafate over the border in Argentina.

Breakfast & Boxed Lunch included.

Departs - Weekly (Sundays - September to May)

EcoCamp Patagonia (Nights 1,3,4)

Ecocamp Patagonia is located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, with a unique view of the majestic granite towers. The region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the first of its kind in the Patagonian wilderness, EcoCamp offers upscale camping in geodesic domes inspired by the region’s ancient nomadic inhabitants.

Eco Camp Patagonia Standard Dome (Shared bathroom)

EcoCamp Standard domes were the world's first geodesic dome hotel room. They are resistant to the strongest Patagonian winds, rains, and snow and come equipped with two single beds (doubles on request), very cozy fleece blankets, feather quilts and organic elements for decoration. There are round windows in the ceiling to look up at the stars. Standard domes have shared bathrooms which are large, comfortable and gender divided.

Eco Camp Patagonia Suite Dome

Suite domes were designed to further our goal of providing comfort in a natural setting with minimal environmental impact, and also maintain the hotel’s familiar and cozy vibe. The domes have comfortable double or twin beds, a wood stove and a private bathroom with a state-of-the-art composting toilet. Stargaze through the ceiling windows while falling asleep, after enjoying a spectacular sunset from your private terrace.

Eco Camp Patagonia Superior Dome

Spacious, comfortable and equipped with private bathrooms, Superior Domes are the optimum choice for trekkers wanting that bit more space and comfort at the end of a long day’s walk. Each Superior Dome has comfortable queen-size or twin beds, a propane heater, skylight windows and a private bathroom with a sophisticated composting toilet.

Refugios (Night 2)

These are typical mountain huts, open to the public visiting Torres del Paine. They have rooms for 4-6 people. The beds are single bunks and we will provide you with a sleeping bag and a polar fleece liner (you don't need to bring a sleeping bag!). The bathrooms are also shared and they have hot water. The refugios are heated and have a very comfortable dining area where plentiful meals are served. If refugios are unavailable, alternative accommodation will be provided in tents with prior notice.

What's not included?

Notes

Prices are based on twin share lead in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.

*Either in refugio or refugio's camping area

**During shoulder and low season (October and April), some excursions are subject to the
weather conditions and might be cancelled or modified for reasons of security, for example
the Navigation on Grey Lake, the excursion to the French Valley and to the Tower base
trek. In any case we will either modify the original itinerary or offer you a good alternative of
excursion within the park.